The VisaScreen Process

Dealing with any state or provincial nursingI was able to apply through the CGFNS.org website
organization can be frustrating and I found I wasand of course pay the renewal fee(almost as costly
NOT pleasantly surprised when I went to renew myas the original certificate) I let time go by and did not
VisaScreen certificate for another five years.act on this immediately. I became employed in
I was first presented with the fact that in 2003,thatCanada and let things ride. A few months later I
I, as a Canadian Travel Nurse working in the U.S.,decided "NO" I probably will not return to the U.S. to
would now need a VisaScreen certificate because ofwork anytime soon. I called the CGFNS and was
the increased surveillance of "foreigners" byinformed that they would NOT refund my fee. So
Homeland Security post the 9-1-1 incident. While Irather than pay for something I would not receive
appreciated that, and understand the ramifications ofand let them have the fee, I decided to go ahead
that most tragic event, I felt I had already paid mywith the renewal. By this time it was very close to
dues-literally and figuratively speaking by all theChristmas ( a VERY bad time of year for those
exams, money letting to agencies and crossnursing offices to do anything) I must say I was
examination by immigration officers at bordervery impressed with the State licensing agencies who
crossings.processed my requests for verification in record
It seemed to be the "icing on the cake" as I wastime-AND right before Christmas. I now had an
already licensed and cleared to work inextended deadline into February 2010.
Massachusetts, Oklahoma and to do Hawaii travelThe CGFNS of course, would have been delighted to
nursing. I must tell you that patience andextend the deadline for renewal for an extra $150.00
perseverance do pay off but you must be willing to(!!) The two provincial nursing boards in Ontario and
call the CGFNS on a routine basis and be able to waitBritish Columbia were contacted as the CGFNS
on the phone for up to 30 minutes at a time to helpmaintained they had NEVER received their verification.
your claim along. Also be able to call nurse licensingSo the College of Nurses of Ontario agreed to
organizations because NEVER ASSUME that thingsresend their information by Purolator so I could track
have gone along smoothly. Take names of phoneit (added cost of course) as did the CRNABC.
agents and be able to quote what they said on yourWith constant emails and two Purolator or UPS
previous call. The procedure is this.deliveries, the CGFNS received the verifications on
You must prove that you are an educated,the day before the deadline expired. Know this-Once
licensed,professional nurse by contacting your originalthe information was processed to their satisfaction I
nursing school and every Canadian nursing associationreceived the new VisaScreen Certificate from
and American nursing association of which you havePhiladelphia via expedited delivery in THREE days to
been a member. Each of these groups have to verifymy door!
that you are or were licensed to practice as an R.N.As mentioned before, NEVER ASSUME that things
in their state or province. Of course each of theseare being done for you. It takes constant phone calls,
offices will also charge individual fees for theirespecially to the CGFNS, your state or provincial
services.nursing agencies: get names, numbers and email
I eventually received my original Visa Screenaddresses. I found that some people NEVER answer
certificate in 2004. I would estimate it took 3-4their phones but will send emails.
months for this process to take place. In 2009 it wasBecome these people's worst nightmares if you need
up for renewal and because my life situation hadto! It will help you in the long run. I wish you GOOD
changed, I wondered whether or not it would beLUCK in your endeavor!!!
wise to renew this document.